Why Does Prabowo's State Honor for PM Modi Draw Scorn?

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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Amnesty International Indonesia believes India's PM Narendra Modi is not deserving of Indonesia's highest state order. President Prabowo Subianto previously awarded Modi with "Bintang Republik Indonesia Adipurna" on Tuesday, July 7.

"Conferring the honor to PM Modi was worth criticizing, and it was an excessive measure by the Indonesian government," said Wirya Adiwena, Deputy Director of Amnesty International Indonesia, in a written statement on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.

Under Law No. 20 of 2009, state honors must be awarded based on various values, including humanitarian principles. This, Wirya reckoned, clashed with the reality of PM Narendra Modi's track record, especially concerning human rights.

Deterioriating state of human rights in India

Amnesty International's 2025/2026 report noted that the human rights situation in India has "sharply deteriorated" under Modi's regime.

"Modi's government systematically criminalized freedom of expression and peaceful assembly," he said.

Amnesty International found that sedition and anti-terrorism laws were used to criminalize journalists, activists, comedians, academics, and students exercising their right to freedom of expression.

"Journalists and activists were arrested and prosecuted, while those already detained, such as the Bhima Koregaon activists, Umar Khalid and other Muslim activists, remained behind bars," the report read.

Amnesty also reported that under PM Modi's leadership, minority religious and ethnic groups faced escalating persecution. "Including Muslims targeted through discriminatory laws on marriage," he said.

State institutions under PM Modi have also been deployed to silence dissenting voices, with international media organizations and civil groups advocating for the truth among those reportedly targeted. These instances, Wirya emphasized, further indicate the shrinking space for freedom and growing intolerance in India.

On the international stage, Modi's commitment to Israel also raised eyebrows. While speaking on Jerusalem last February, Modi failed to mention the ongoing genocidal campaign in Gaza and ethnic cleansing in the West Bank committed by Israel—of which Modi is a staunch supporter.

"But these acts of willful ignorance just further allow Israel to continue perpetrating crimes against humanity," said Wirya.

Indonesia urged to revoke Modi's state order

Amnesty International stressed that human rights issues are not something to ignore while awarding honors to an individual. According to Wirya, giving the highest honor to a leader with a human rights record is a misguided step.

"Therefore, the government must revoke the award and ensure that every honor given aligns with the respect and protection of human rights," said Wirya.

President Prabowo Subianto previously awarded the honor when Modi visited Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.

Prabowo cited Modi's contributions in strengthening Indonesia-India relations, as he continuously supported various programs and projects that aid Indonesia's development.

The chair of the Gerindra Party expressed gratitude to Modi for agreeing to receive the award. "Namely, the Bintang Republik Indonesia Adipurna," said Prabowo during a joint press conference with Modi on Tuesday.

Sultan Abdurrahman contributed to the writing of this article.

Read: Prabowo Awards Star of the Republic of Indonesia to PM Modi

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